Goodbye world...

Have you ever been asked to leave everything you know to be good, fun and comfortable in order to push someone else's agenda? What we hold so dearly in this life of ours can be (most of the time) so good for us. And yet not always the best.

 The people we know so well are those who have invested into our lives. And most, without thought of self gain or preservation. They are the people who care. From the parent/s who raised us with his/her sweat and blood, tears and laughter, reproof and heartfelt encouragement. To the brother/s and sister/s who grew up with us having to deal with our quirks and humor, annoyance and pain, arguments and agreements. Even our stated disdain of each other, yet we know in our heart of hearts, we care deeply for them. From the friends we have gained, who laugh and joke, cry and feel, encourage and challenge us to walk in a manner worthy of what we are called to do. To the people we pass by on the street. The ones we view as "strange" or interesting, ugly or pretty/cute, falling apart or having it all together. Without these, where would we be? These are the people who have molded us in so many ways, innumerable to count.

Life is so full of new things, it is impossible to say... "I've done it all". Each day is a time of learning, taking in the sights and getting to know your surroundings that you have come to have many memories of. Becoming attached to the things around us is oh so easy. It is so good to feel at home in a certain place! To have a stomping ground where you feel at ease. To recognize a street corner or park that brings me back to home. I can relax in place of familiarity. The smell of the coffee shop on the corner or that bakery I pass just down the street. What is life without some kind of consistency? It is so hard to imagine or handle!

Remember all the memories made as a child? Going out on walks or hikes with the family. Or going to the lake for a blast on the water. Maybe playing "army" out in the back 40 with your big brothers. Or playing pranks on your sister/s because you knew they would have the BEST reactions. Playing dodge ball on roller-blades  or digging out a fort in the sand at the beach. Those were the good memories!

Then come the "not so good" memories... The punishments for being caught in the act of disobedience or rebellion. The arguments or fights (physical or verbal) between siblings. Getting the short end of the stick because "you're younger". Or even just losing a loved one to the process of life and death. They are all burned into my memory. Whether I like it or not!

Beginning when we are young, we have a chance to learn. Some more than others. And some quicker than others. I look back and think "Wow... I got to do all that?" Harvesting wood, Gardening, Learning to mow a lawn, Chicken farm, Bucking Hay, Ultimate Frisbee  Volleyball, Many other sports, Construction, Horse training, Schooling(pre-K through College) HVAC training, Mission trips, Travel, Mud Caving, Skydiving, Skiing/Snowboarding, White water rafting, Paintballing, and the list goes on... What a privileged person I am! Among the top 30% of wealthy and privileged people in the world... And what am I doing with it?

------- To Be Continued -------